Each day starts and usually is ended with the exact same question. Prospects and clients often ask us "How do I increase the size of my business while capturing my fair share of the market?" Our answer is quite simply "Build yourself a foundation of prospects and build that pipeline constantly and efficiently."
One big tip I'm willing to share with you as you take a look at my brief synopsis of today, is to discover how you can become an effective PodCaster to watch your bottom line rise to the sky!

Over the past 10 years The Internet has brought about a variety of groundbreaking marketing methods. From the successful ezine publishing and distribution, all the way to more extensive search engine optimization practices.

As a television and radio broadcaster/marketing consultant, I have had the sincere pleasure of understanding just how important both the radio and television marketing methods are to businesses and individuals in getting the word out to their prospective audience.

Our weekly radio show online, Net Talk Radio has been received very well amongst listeners and advertisers alike. I'm sure I've been aware that over time, faster connectivity speeds and portable hand-held devices will eventually allow for an expanded target audience reach.

The day is finally here!

Even though we started using our online talk radio format years ago, we're capable of enhancing the quality by allowing our listeners virtually download our program (information and entertainment) directly onto their iPod and iRiver platforms. Our listeners can now listen where ever and whenever "they" like. Plus, as an added-value advantage to us and our valued advertisers, we are able to track every click (listener) at all times at the price of coffee! We make all this happen using one of the top audio/blogging technologies that is known as "PodCasting".

PodCast Marketing: *Anyone is able to do this!

First, what exactly is podcasting?

Podcasting is a term emerged as a brand new term to define the technology that is employed to transfer (share) audio content from websites to the users (clients) of that content, who usually listen to it on an iPod (hence the name "pod") or any other .mp3 player (iRiver) with their own choice as well as their convenience and control.

PodCasting is similar to the concept of time-shifted videos devices such as TiVo, which allow you to see exactly what you want to whenever you want to by simply recording and saving video, with the exception that PodCasting is typically used to record audio to date. (Universal media deployment likely to be just around the corner.) After that, I'll clarify, however, that this emerging and simple technology is able to push (deploy) any kind of files, such as photographs (images) or videos, software updates, and text.

PodCasting uses an XML-based technology called RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Content producers (PodCasters) describe new content in the form of an XML RSS file which includes dates, titles, descriptions, and hyperlinks to the .mp3 files. This "automatically" created file is often referred to as an RSS feed. Dave Winer is considered by many to be the creator of RSS and a pioneer in the realm of applying XML. The key element that makes PodCasting function with RSS can be described as "enclosures" (remember that word) an element that is supported by RSS 2.0.

If you are a user or consumer one can simply run an "aggregator" (remember that term as well) program like Adam Curry's iPodder on MTV on your local computer, that allows you to easily subscribe to RSS feeds. Software like Adam's can either through a schedule or random design download the RSS files, and check to see if fresh material is accessible. If there is new content the audio files are automatically downloaded and put into a folder (of your choice) in your computer's hard disk or directly routed to your MP3 player.

I used an asterisk as stated above to create this an honest and sometimes painful disclaimer. When I said that "Anyone is able to do this", I should more precisely say, "Anyone that properly learns (from an authentic professional) and then implements their own PodCast process can benefit from the substantial harvest of BIGGER numbers by creating an and maintaining their personal growing community. For a business owner who is online, this is huge and essential! This marketing solution can not only help you become financially secure but it could also turn you into the "STAR"!

Incorporating The PodCast Magic into Your Arsenal


Here's a checklist of things to do to prepare before your initial PodCast presentation.

1. Find out about the PodCast element

Learn precisely what PodCasting is and how it functions. I recommend visiting http://www.google.com and typing, "PodCast Radio" into the search field.

2. Physically search for only the Real Professionals

Make a list of the PodCasters who can be trusted to know what they're doing. Align your yourself with only the best. From this list, call them by phone and ask them to pick their brain(s). If you can't find an actual point of contact, I strongly suggest you to wipe them off your list. You want to do business with those that are committed to "touching" their target market by providing an intimate and personal touch instead of just sending an email. Keep in mind that you're looking for a friend. A mentor. Not necessarily someone who will steal your money and make you feel off. A solid collaboration (friendship) is your objective here.

3. Discover Your Passion

What passion do you share with other people? What is the real value your followers learn from you? Who are your ideal customers? Be aware of the "WHY"!

4. Develop Your Plan & Work Your Process

What do you have to master? What do you have to do? What specific date will you be able to meet? Who will provide you with the support you will need in order to achieve your goal. What equipment is required?

5. Start Your Podcast!

As you begin the doors of your "new-to-you" adventure do not expect perfect perfection in the beginning. Be gentle with yourself and realize that you'll grow. All of us started at square one. I'm sure you've heard my first radio air-check at my very first radio gig in Bakersfield, California. I sounded just like an uncoordinated knucklehead. :-) Enough practice and dedication will make you sound near perfect, but keep it in perspective and allow yourself the time to improve.

Take a listen and connect with other Pro-PodCasters. Listen to local radio stations. Read books and articles such as this one on a daily basis. (I do it all the time!)

6. Finally... There are no excuses!

If you "really" need to crank up the intensity of your marketing, PodCasting will give you the substantial advantage in terms of marketing.

Be podcasts of this...

Some will discuss it, but they will never actually make their move.

On the other hand, can accept no feeble excuses and get working on your very first PodCast now! (At the very minimum make sure you put PodCasting up near the top of "TO-DO" to-do" list!

To conclude today...

I've shown only the essentials you need to know prior to embark on your PodCast venture full speed ahead. Make sure to recognize and experiment with all angles of marketing when it comes to creating a continuous revenue-generating PodCast production for all the world to hear and be aware!

Happy PodCast Marketing!